Health Update: Still No Insurance

So it’s been a while since I’ve given an update on my health. I also realized that I should write some posts in more detail of what I am currently suffering from, but in the meantime, I’ll just summarize everything.

I have been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (or IC), which is a chronic bladder disorder. It’s hard to explain as not a lot of information or studies have been done about this illness. It basically means my bladder does not work properly and the lining of my bladder is either non-existent or seriously damaged and does not protect from toxins that can enter the bladder and into the urine. So, if you’ve ever had a UTI, just imagine that times 20 and that doesn’t go away with antibiotics. Also, throw in some terrible cramping and pressure, and the constant need to pee.

I also suffer from chronic migraines. I have a migraine on average 20 times a month. Nothing I do seems to relieve them and nothing I do prevents them. Now I have new pain! Woohoo! I get these horrible aches behind my knees and down my calves and in my lower back. I also get this ringing in my ear a couple times a week. It doesn’t last that long, a couple seconds at most, but just another symptom.

The problem is that I have not been able to see a doctor to discuss these symptoms, so I don’t know if these things are all separate from another or symptoms of a specific thing.

It’s been over three months since I applied for healthcare in the state I am currently living in. Meanwhile, my symptoms get worse and I am nowhere near receiving a diagnosis and treatment plan which is what I want more than anything in the world. It’s safe to say that I am now an expert on every non-prescribed treatment for managing pain.

I filled out my application and it was sent to my state Medicaid office. I was told that I had to do nothing further but wait for a response from the state. I waited and waited and never received a piece of mail, an email, or a phone call. I started to call different offices and could never get a hold of someone. This was crazy. Receiving healthcare in Oregon was so easy and this has just been a nightmare.

So what is going on with my health insurance? It turns out that the state application needed a signature, but I didn’t know that was needed since no one contacted me. Now I just have to wait two more months until I know if it’s been approved or not. I’m trying to get it expedited since I’ve already waited for three months, but I am not holding my breath.

The other day I was having chest pain and trouble breathing. I have asthma and ran out of my inhalers, so I had to check myself in at an urgent care center and pay out of pocket. While talking to the nurse, she mentioned that when I do get insurance, I will only be able to discuss one topic with a doctor at a time. Which is also what I was told when I lived in Oregon.

This crushed me because it makes me feel that when I eventually do get insurance I will have some trouble in getting a proper diagnosis and therefore treatment for all the pain I suffer through every single day. I’m not going to let it get me down though. I will just have to find a really great doctor, right?

Comments

This is heartbreaking to hear. I’m beyond sorry. IC and chronic migraines are things I’ve struggled with for years, and I can honestly say, they are so painful; if people understood even ONE of those conditions, they would be begging for relief. I don’t want to be “oh try this,” or “you should be on this, it’ll cure everything,” because I’m no doctor, but magnesium has helped my headaches a little and the pain behind my calves which–I don’t know about your symptoms–but usually are something like cramping. I get the ringing in my ears too and that was diagnosed as tinnitus. Again, I’m no doctor, I’m just telling my story. I know it’s hard to say just take of yourself when it’s nearly impossible when others aren’t taking care of you, but any little thing to help you feel better that isn’t covered by insurance can hopefully bring you relief. I’ll be sending you such good vibes and care and compassion from my heart. Nothing is ever easy when you’re sick, it seems. If you want to talk more, I’ll be more than happy to! I’ll be thinking of you xx

This is so sweet! I appreciate the good thoughts and suggestions. I feel like I have tried everything under the sun to feel better. Hopefully, soon I will get some relief. Thanks again for your kind words <3 It's always great to know that people understand.